Rochdale MMA fighter takes on the best in Europe

A teenage mixed martial artist from Castleton has recently returned from Serbia where he was competing against the best fighters in Europe, finishing runner-up in his category.

Now Gabriel Cullen has his sights set even higher – a world title and a place in the UFC.

The 17-year-old participated in the prestigious IMMAF Tournament which was held in Belgrade, with the best amateur fighters from 34 countries pitting their talents against each other.

In just one day Gabriel, who has been training in judo since the age of four, took on and beat fighters from Switzerland, Ireland and Serbia before facing the Israeli under-18s champion in his lightweight (155lb) semi-final.

After a dominant performance the former Cardinal Langley pupil took a unanimous points decision despite suffering a rib injury.

In the final he was up against the reigning European and World Champion from Ukraine.

After a back-and-forth war the Ukrainian – who had stopped all his previous opponents in less than a minute – was given the result on points.

 

 

Gabriel’s dad Derrick, his chief coach, said: “I’m really proud of him – it was only his second major tournament, but he’s learned a lot.

“He went up against the best and has come out of it as one of the best fighters for his age in Europe.”

Derrick also revealed Gabriel has just been selected to represent England at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi in July.

He added: “Gabriel’s a credit to Rochdale and England and I genuinely believe he will be a world champion in the UFC in years to come as he’s that dedicated. He trains twice a day, six times a week in MMA, wrestling, judo and ju-jitsu and will only get better.

“We have big plans for the future, and the three of us – Gabriel, myself and my older son Tyler, who also fights in MMA, want to reopen our old gym Full Contact Performance so we can teach the next generation.”